This news item expired on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners declare May as Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health impacts a person’s emotional, social, environmental, financial and overall well-being, with significant disparities among racially and ethnically diverse communities. The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners declared the month of May as Mental Health Month to highlight mental health and the critical role of mental health providers in our community.
Notable statistics include:
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds in Buncombe County, with an 11% increase in emergency room visits for suicidal thoughts for all people in 2022 from 2019
- An estimated 56% of those detained in our detention center self-reported a mental health diagnosis, often with co-occurring substance use disorders
- Over 51% of adults in North Carolina with a mental illness and over 61% of youth with major depression did not receive treatment in the past year
Buncombe County serves as a safety net for residents in need, through first responders, medical and behavioral health clinics, housing supports, and detention centers. Victoria Reichard, Behavioral Health Program Manager for Buncombe County says, “We need to talk about mental health. The more you talk about it, the more normalized it will become. This is one of the aims of the month as the stigma attached to mental health has led to countless delays in treatment and research on the matter.”
Several community resources can provide support and assistance if you have a mental health concern. Resources include:
- Anyone in crisis or not sure what they need can visit 356 Biltmore Ave. Sun-Fri 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Visit the Peer Living Room to learn about resources and connect with others. Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- WNC Listening Line – Free emotional support. No judgements. Call or Text: (828) 547-4547 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Access to Care Line available 24/7: 800-849-6127
- People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
Victoria continues, “These partners save lives every day. We are grateful to them for their compassion and skill in the face of critical staffing challenges. Mental health is such an important aspect of health and wellness for all ages and stages and it truly impacts our future as a community.”